This ambitious programme consists of three four-week sprints held in the United Arab Emirates, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and Egypt. Each cohort will participate in intensive workshops and mentorship sessions designed to build capacity and empower startups. Partnerships with industry heavyweights like RTA (The Roads and Transport Authority), Chalhoub Group, and Dubai Holding will help shape design challenges and explore AI-driven solutions.

Meta and Startupbootcamp's initiative addresses a critical need: connecting established companies with dynamic AI startups to drive local innovation. Llama Design Drive leverages Meta's open-source large language model, Llama 3.1, allowing MENA startups to develop products that solve real-world issues in sectors like mobility, aviation, energy distribution, retail, and real estate.

The programme offers mutual benefits. Startups gain hands-on experience working with leading corporations on pressing challenges, using Llama 3.1 to craft innovative solutions. Corporations, in turn, gain insights and co-create solutions to their most significant problems, showcasing the power of open-source collaboration to create impactful business value.

Participating startups will also have the opportunity to advance to a global programme sponsored by Meta, with the potential to secure up to $500,000 for further product development.

"Our programme not only promotes the adoption of AI technologies to develop solutions for corporate challenges but also facilitates connections between startups, corporates, and industry experts to expand networks and gain valuable knowledge and technical skills," explains Ibrahim "Abe" Seksek, CEO MENA at Startupbootcamp.

"The whole world is excited to see how AI can add value to people’s lives," said Joulan Abdul Khalek, Policy Programs Manager, Africa Middle East and Turkiye at Meta. "Llama Design Drive is a great example of how open source can bring people together to co-create meaningful AI solutions. By doing so, we hope to cultivate a thriving community of tech talent across the region, working with them to unlock the potential of these exponential technologies to address real-world challenges.”

MENA is well-positioned for AI adoption, with governments and businesses across the region beginning to realise the shift globally towards AI and advanced technologies. In absolute terms, the Middle East is expected to accrue 2% of the total global benefits of AI in 2030, with expected annual growth of 20-34% in the contribution of AI to GDP across the region.